Gathering at the foot of the cross

​10-27-22
Today's devotion is based on James 4:14-17, "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
James argues that many of our troubles are self-inflicted, stemming from our reluctance to leave space for God's will and our neighbor's needs. Rather than coming near to God in our brokenness, we hope that we can manage it ourselves. But God knows we keep trying to justify ourselves instead of humbling ourselves at Christ's cross. God invites us to come near to him (as he is already near) in our grief and confusion. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus showed us that this is true!
The Bible says to come near to God, and God will come near to us. God's Spirit will help us sort out what things need our repentance. As we come near the cross, we come nearer to each other. It's the only place where we can genuinely meet!
Please pray with me: Dear God, please break through my pride and stubbornness and keep drawing me to you and my sisters and brothers. For Jesus' sake, Amen.